Multilaterally through the World Trade Organisation (WTO) by negotiating trade agreements which provide the legal ground-rules for international trade;

Regionally through Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and other international forums by strengthening regional trade links and pursuing common trade and economic goals;

Bilaterally through the negotiation of free trade agreements, such as with Singapore, Thailand and the United States that deliver substantial gains to Australia and which cannot be achieved in a similar timeframe elsewhere.

Australia also works to expand markets and address market barriers in a range of countries and sectors, including Japan and China.

Australia’s trade relations with Belgium and Luxembourg

Belgium is an important destination for Australian coal, copper, steel and metal ores. Other major export items from Australia to Belgium include alcoholic beverages, pearls and gems, wool and confidential items (e.g. diamonds).

Despite being one of the smaller European countries, Belgium has a comparatively strong medical device market with a relatively straightforward reimbursement system. Belgium has a state-of-the-art telecommunications system and transport infrastructure, a highly productive, multilingual workforce and a government eager to attract foreign investment. Its strategic position in the centre of Europe and its transport links make it ideal for distribution activities.

The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) is the Australian Government’s trade, investment and education promotion agency. It has identified potential opportunities for Australian suppliers of goods and services in a number of sectors in Belgium and Luxembourg. Austrade's Belgium and Luxembourg country pages supply general information on doing business and on specific export opportunities. Its website also has a database that can be searched by industry and country.

Please note that the Australian Embassy in Brussels does not have an Austrade section.

The Austrade office in Paris can provide advice on accessing opportunities in Belgium and Luxembourg. The office can be contacted at:

Australia’s trade relations with the EU

The EU is Australia's second largest trading partner and largest source of foreign investment. In 2012–13 two-way merchandise trade was valued at A$56.8 billion and two-way services trade was worth A$22.3 billion. In 2012–13 Australia exported A$23.8 billion worth of goods and services to the EU. Australia's major merchandise exports to the EU include gold, coal, oil-seeds and wine.

The major merchandise imports from the EU include medicaments (incl. veterinary), passenger motor vehicles, civil engineering equipment and parts and pharmaceutical products. Other personal travel services (mainly recreational travel) were the largest single services export (A$3.6 billion) to the EU in 2012–13 and were also the largest single services import (A$5.1 billion) from the EU during the same period.

Australia’s Export Opportunities to the EU

Though the EU is already one of Australia's largest trade and investment partners there are opportunities to expand the trade and investment relationship, particularly in continental Europe. With its abundant natural resources, Australia is well placed to be a reliable and efficient supplier of energy to Europe for many years to come. Europe is now a major market for Australian wine and for medicines. The EU services market, particularly in the education and tourism sectors, is a major market for Australian service providers. Product niches are being found in the food and beverage industries. For assistance with market access and trading with the EU, see the Austrade country profiles for the various member states.